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The proof is undeniable why Arsenal are now many people's favorites to win the Premier League this season.

Look at their outcomes against Fulham and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches in the previous campaign.

The Gunners have beaten all of them in the current season, but lost 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race last season.

Impenetrable Rearguard

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a primary factor why they are seeming ready to ultimately achieve their title goal.

They lead the league for clean sheets (6), goals conceded (3), shots faced (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (5.3).

The central defensive pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba is possibly the finest in the league, with Arsenal recording a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Dead-Ball Dominance

Their effectiveness from free kicks is widely recognized, but competing clubs still don't know how to stop the Gunners from these situations.

They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, two more than any other side, with 69% of their goals resulting from these situations.

"Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just afraid of them and it is excellent to see."

Title Credentials

What is even more impressive about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City on home turf - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they keep winning, their long-standing opponents face difficulties. This marks the initial occasion at this juncture of the season since 1992 that none of Manchester City and United, Liverpool or Chelsea are in the Premier League top four.

The scrutiny was on boss Mikel Arteta at the start, having spent around £250m on eight summer signings in quest of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the business has so far paid off in remarkable manner, with his side second top scorers in the league and boasting the tightest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Shutouts in three consecutive Premier League games
• Over six hours without letting in a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and experts have labeled Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now performing with confidence and purpose.